Fertilizer
Licensing
The information furnished on these pages provides a summary of
the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's regulatory requirements
for businesses or persons wishing to offer for sale fertilizers
intended for agricultural use or operate a lawn care service which
custom applies fertilizer. Complete information concerning the aforementioned
subject matter may be found in the Minnesota Statutes and Rules
that govern the labeling, sales, use and storage of these materials.
The objective of the Fertilizer Licensing Program is to promote
fair trade practices among businesses that offer fertilizer products
for sale and provide consumer awareness/protection by providing accurate,
meaningful and uniform labeling and licensing standards.
Agricultural Fertilizer License
A person may not sell or distribute bulk fertilizers for use on agricultural lands,
custom apply fertilizers, or manufacture, blend, or otherwise manipulate
fertilizers without obtaining a license from the commissioner for
each fixed location where the person does business within the state
and one license for all fixed locations that are located outside
of the state. (18C.415)
A distributor may not manipulate fertilizer by means of a mobile
mechanical unit without a license from the commissioner for each
mobile unit. (18C.415) This includes but is not limited
to mobile units used to convert 10-34-0 or other grades of liquid
or dry fertilizer.
Lawn Service Fertilizer License
A person may not sell or distribute bulk fertilizers for use on
agricultural lands, custom apply (for hire) fertilizers,
or manufacture, blend, or otherwise manipulate fertilizers without
obtaining a license from the commissioner for each fixed location
where the person does business within the state and one license
for all fixed locations that are located outside of the state. (18C.415)
Any person who applies fertilizer for hire (regardless of whether
the fertilizer product is custom blended, bagged, bulk, etc.) must
obtain a fertilizer license. A license is required for any
application, including applications to lawns, plants (including
trees and shrubs), and interior landscapes.
Application Information
The application for license must include a completed license application
form, a copy of the fertilizer product label(s) (application record/invoice/delivery
or batch ticket) and the appropriate application fees. (18C.415)
Worker’s compensation insurance and taxpayer identification
information is required to be included on the completed license
application form. Failure to provide this information will delay
the issuance of a license.
The annual application fee for each fixed location to be covered
by the license within the state is $100. The annual application fee
for all fixed locations outside of the state is $100. Application
fees are nonrefundable. (18C.425)
The effective license period is from January 1 to the following December
31 and must be renewed annually. A license is not transferable from
one person to another, from the ownership to whom issued to another
ownership, or from one location to another location. (18C.415) The
application for renewal of a fertilizer license must be filed before
January 1 as required or an additional application (penalty) fee
of one-half of the application fee ($50) is due. (18C.425) In addition, a surcharge of $50 for the Agricultural
Chemical Response & Reimbursement Account (ACRRA) is due
with the application. (18E.03)
The license must be posted in a conspicuous place in each fixed
location in the state. (18C.415)
Renewal applications are mailed to applicants in November and are
due by December 31 of each year. An application is considered
late if it is post marked later then December 31.
MDA Contact
Carol Durden, State Program Administrator
Carol.Durden@state.mn.us
651-201-6379
Pesticide & Fertilizer Management
Division
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